was born as the
product of four Birmingham
City, Visual Communication
students,
embarking
upon
their
first
project.
The first issue has been a
mixture of experimentation,
collaberation
and
realisation,
that
four
opinions are maybe better
than one. Taking into acccount
each individuals personal
style, interests and talents,
we have created something
that can hopefully grow and
evolve over time.
Enjoy.

C U S T
A R D
A N Y O
N E ?
Birmingham offers a wealth of

vintage stores in the centre
of town, and also several
visiting and resident fairs.
Digbeth is the heart of
Birmingham’s ever expanding
Creative Quarter, showcasing
a variety of independent
stores and small business’,
catering for those of us
interested in fashion,craft
and all things creative.
Just a 10 minute walk from
the Bullring,
off Digbeth
High Street, is the Custard
Factory. Built by Sir Alfred
Bird,
of
Bird’s
custard
powder, over 100 years ago,
it is now home to Birmingham’s
many independent creatives and
businesses, all designing,
producing and selling a whole
host of different crafts.

From

vintage
apparel
to
beads, book binding to screen
print, the list goes on.
All things crafty have taken a
massive increase in popularity
over the past few years, and the
Custard Factory has definitely
taken that in their stride.
The Birmingham Bead Shop,
which opened in the summer of
2009, is the only one of its
type in Birmingham and a must
for any aspiring jewellery
maker or embroiderers. Not
only do they sell beads but
also charms, jewellery making
kits and equipment, they also
offer tutorials and classes
for anyone wanting to learn
how. Another store offering a
similar service is the Stitch
Perfect Yarn Shop. Dedicated
to all things knitting, sewing,
crochet and contemporary craft
(to name a few,) this is the
place to go if you are curious
about any of the above, or
wish to further your existing
skills and knowledge. Stitch
Perfect offers a huge range of
classes, from basic techniques
to fully fledged projects. Their
small classes emphasise hands
on learning and the pursuit
of a thoroughly good time.

Vintage
has
also
dramatically
increased
in popularity in a small
period of time, and in the
last few years the number
of stores providing this
second hand luxury has more
than doubled in Birmingham.
The Vintage Fair, which
visits
the
city
twice
yearly, is a mixture of all
things old and new, selling
handmade goods, house hold
wares, clothing and even
cupcakes. It never fails to
create a buzz, with up to
70 stalls of vintage finery.
Probably the best for that
cherry
picked,
higher
quality source of vintage
attire is the appointment
only, Frock On Boutique,
located
in
the
newly
refurbished Zellig building
of the Custard Factory. Set
up and ran by Pam Cheema, it
is a cut above the rest for
those looking for something
specific. In an interview with
Pam I found out why, where
and when she finds time to
single handidly find stock,
and also how she managed
to get a concession in
Birminghamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Topshop store.

Pam, where did this start? Do you come

from a fashion orientated background?
No
not
at
all,
I
studied
socialology
at
University
of
Birmingham, and then went on to work as a
researcher for the BBC and Channel 4. I
started selling some vintage pieces at
fairs and a local flea market, and was always
complimented on the high quality of my
stock. So I set up a website and quit my
job. It just came from a hobby really,
and having a passion for vintage.
What do you think makes your boutique stand
out from the many other vintage outlets in
B
i
r
m
i
n
g
h
a
m
?
I think that it is a very personal
experience, both for me and the
customer. I handpick every item that I
sell, making sure that all the pieces
are in perfect condition, which can be
difficult with some items, shoes and
furs for example. I spend days searching
for the right pieces that I know will
suit my customer base, both for the
boutique and also the collection I
have in Topshop. I think that I also
try to source pieces that work with
the latest trends, which you don’t find
in other vintage wholesalers in town.
What sort of feedback to you get from
your customers about the boutique
and the appointment only approach?
My
customers
love
the
relaxed,
yet
exclusive
approach
to
Frock
on.
I
think
that
the
appointment system only works well
due to the location of the store;
obviously you don’t just come across
it walking down the street. It also
works for me, as I spend at least one
day a week sources new pieces, usually
from Leeds or Sheffield. So I can fit
my travels around my appointments.
You mentioned your collection which
is featured in the Bullring branch
of Topshop, how did you manage that!?
Yeah I never thought I’d be able to get
my brand into such a huge high street
store, little old me! I had thought
for a while that my wares would fit in
well in Topshop, we have a very similar
type of customer base, obviously not
on the same scale, but I always found

that my customers considered Topshop
as one of the best high-street stores.
So I contacted the head buyer, and
had to go down and pitch my brand,
tell them what made it special and
why it would be suitable for Topshop.
You recently spoke at the Running
In Heels event, for professional and
inspirational
business
woman,
how
does it make you feel knowing you’re
already making such a big impact?
It’s amazing to know that somebody sees
me as an inspiration! It always comes
as a shock to me, as it still feels
like just a hobby! I’m not in it this
for the money or even the recognition,
it’s just my passion so things like
that are an added bonus! I’m very proud
of the fact that I have started this
myself, from scratch, with money that I
had earned. No rich parents or anything
like that. I think that passion is
the basis of success, if you have the
passion then longevity is more likely.
What makes the visit special or
different from high street shopping?
I think that it is such a different
experience for most shoppers. No
crowds like you can find on the high
street or searching though rails of
crap like in some vintage stores! I
can also provide outfits and styling
for customers who are not sure how wear
their vintage pieces which I always
enjoy doing! I’m also available any
time and day, Monday to Sunday,
And
finally,
any
advice
to
for
aspiring
young
entrepreneur’s?
Don’t give up, persevere and take
risks. If you believe in your idea then
it’s likely others will too! Don’t be
afraid to network,
attend
events
and promote yourself and your business
as much as possible. And have faith,
you’re as good as anyone, you don’t need
to worry about others, your passion
will be the base of your success!

I N S E R T
T I T L E
H E R E

Nowadays

the
cult
of
personality
arises
on
individualism
and
uniqueness. The quantity of
people, who dare to speak out
of the crowd, increases each
day. Regardless of whether
people are bringing out
issue, or simply need to be
heard, their communication
approaches
get
drastic
sometimes.One of the most
exiting ways of conveying a
thought or simply expressing
yourself is Street Art.
This phenomenon is slowly
taking
over
the
world.

The Metropolis provokes and
inspires. A strong mixture
of
cultures,
lifestyles
and ideologies stimulate
artists. There are few
zones that bound to draw
attention: typically urban
pockets that could use a
bit of life. They’re easily
visible and the locations
don’t harm businesses or
homes. However, the real
variety of “masterpieces”
is usually hidden under
the bridges, in subways,
warehouses
and
other
abandoned
or
derelict
areas. You get a sight
of
interaction
with
the space, as well as
the
overall
feeling.
One of the artists that has
been around for more than 20
years, named Title, agreed
on giving a sneak peak on his
personal thoughts and views.

drew you to graffiti
at first and what motivates
you on staying in this
sphere
up
until
now?
Like so many other young
impressionable kids in the
UK during the 80’s, I was
drawn to all the new stuff
that was being imported
from the States around
that time... Skateboards,
BMX,
Hip
Hop
etc....
But I guess it was the fact
that I had always been good
art and drawing had always
been something that I enjoyed
that got me thinking that
graffiti could be my thing.
I was really into racing
BMX then so it took a
while before the art of
writing my name took over
as my favorite passtime.
As far as my motivation goes,
other than painting... I’d
have to say its my family
and in particular the smiles
on my children’s faces
that makes me want to get
out of bed every morning.

Can

you share with a couple of
personal process details, such as:
What comes first, the idea or the
surface to work on? Improvisation
or well thought through and planed
pieces,
which
do
you
prefer?
Preferences in terms of subject matter?
Whether it’s a character, letters
or any other theme, it’s always
the idea that’s most important.
I usually like to plan things
first, particularly if I’m planning
a
production
wall
with
other
artists. But that’s not always the
case, improvisation can be fun and
I’ve had some great results from
completely
freestyling
stuff...
I’ve no preferences in terms of
subject matter. It’s all good!
In which cities have you painted?
Which one is your favorite? Why?
I’m not too well traveled and
I’ve only been outside the UK
a handful of times so I’ve never
had the luxury of painting abroad.
But I have painted in quite a few
cities here in the UK...London,
Nottingham,
Leeds,
Blackpool,
Leceister, etc... I’m not sure whether
I have a favorite, but I guess it’s
the Capital that stands out to me
as a place that has a good scene.
People
talk
about
Bristol,
but
I’ve
never
painted
there.

What is your opinion on street
art in Birmingham? Are there
any
specifics,
principles
in
this area that artists prefer?
I’m not too keen on the street
art
thing...
Stencils
and
Childlike Characters don’t really
do it for me, I prefer freehand
letter styles and quality well
painted
freehand
characters.
There are a lot of good artists
here, but the scene isn’t as big
as one might expect from a city
the size of Birmingham, probably
down to the fact that there aren’t
any decent legal spots which is
pretty
poor
considering
we’re
supposed to be the second city!
Some of the younger guys have got
permission from local businesses or
claimed there own walls in Digbeth
and I’ve been hearing whispers
of other spots cropping up here
and there lately so hopefully
things will start to change.
Maybe you could give any advices, tips
or thoughts to newborn street artists?
The only advice I’d give to the young
up and coming is stick to the rules...
If you can’t burn it don’t go over it!
Respect other peoples work, but
never try to copy or emulate
it...
So
never
bite!
Biting
is
rubbish
and
you’ll
never
develop your own style that way.
Keep
don’t

it

real
and
smoke

definitely
crack!!!

I N S I D E

I N S E R T

P I T L E

T I T L E

H E R E

H E R E

It`s really nothing more that what our thoughts look like on paperâ&#x20AC;Ś

Photography,

unlike
many
other art forms, is unique
in the sense that is has
the ability to freeze a
single moment in time. That
moment becomes iconic in the
sense that it has it`s own
story. A story which could
be of friends long passed,
places seen or feelings long
gone. It is something often
underestimated by most people,
but greatly admired by those
who do.

Illustration,

like
many
other art forms is such
a broad subject; no two
illustrators are the same,
everyone
is
different,
with their own different
opinions,
techniques
and
creative procedures. Whether
youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re an illustrator, a fine
artist, a graphic designer
or a photographer you learn
a discipline that helps you
become a successful image
maker and communicator.

Unlike

an
illustrator,
the
photographer is inevitably tied
to some form of technology. The
camera, the lens, the filmâ&#x20AC;Śall become
companions for the photographer,
ones which he must master before
being able to manifest his visions
or memories. Like many other forms
of creativity, making a photograph
is taking a part of yourself and
putting it in context. That context
is the one that decides whether
the image is relevant or itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just
another guy forgetting to set
the exposure. It is in many ways
like a game of cards: you never
know what may be next and rely
on a great deal of luckâ&#x20AC;Śbut you
can always improve your chances.
Like illustrators, photographers
tend to look for themselves in many
of their images. Someone walking
in a hurry on the street, a girl
standing in the rain...Places or
people that seem familiar to the
photographer are always a source
of inspiration. As if looking for
past events that didn`t actually
happen, but are closer to reality
than what reality looked like.
Many people may not realize
it, but photography can be just
as personal as drawing, the
photographer has the option to
choose what will be in his image,
much like an illustrator. They
are putting together dreams of
memories. Regarding photographers,
there
are
only
two
kinds:
The
fisherman
is
the
kind
of
photographer
that
gets
his
idea
slowly.

WORDS BY ION MATES

It needs time to gestate and grow
into something as relevant to what
he feels. It is only then that he or
she picks up the camera and starts
trying to take the shot. This is
usually the way still life pictures
or most portraits occur. It is a
documentation of people`s thoughts.
On the other hand, the hunter is
quite the opposite; restless and
hard working, he relentlessly
searches for his photograph, as
if he just took it but lost it
somewhere on the street, in a park
or in the mountains. The photograph
closely resembles a snapshot, but
is different in the sense that the
photographer already saw it in his
head, he just needed to find it.
They can be influenced by anything
such as a sunset, a favorite song,
someone`s words of even a scene
from a movie. It is usually the
case with landscape photographers.
It is interesting seeing how two
different minds can come up with
so different perspectives of the
same scene. A photographer can
provide scenes that illustrators
can hardly think of, while on
the other hand, an illustrator
can show photographers a very
different world in which rules
aren`t always there. Curiosity
is one of the things that drove
us to do this article, and see
how a different view of our work
would look like. Differences in
the creative process are things
that make us push ourselves
to
learn
from
each
other.

F
or me drawing is all I have
that helps me communicate with

others, it’s an essential tool
I utilize to help share my
ideas. I’m a perfectionist,
in the past I’ve had to draw
pieces numerous times until
it’s up to a certain quality,
so I feel comfortable that
people won’t look at it later
and think “What is it supposed
to be?”, “Why has he drawn it
that way”, or “What message
is he trying to get across.”
Drawing the same thing an
infinite number of times until
I feel I could draw it with
my eyes closed is an exercise
that I do in my spare time. To
some that may seem boring or
tedious, but to me it can become
quite therapeutic. Eventhough
illustration is my passion,
it’s not a spontaneous act,
everything has to be carefully
thought and considered before
putting
pencil
to
paper,
everything must be planned to
avoid making a mistake.
My
inspiration comes from reading
comic
books
and
graphic
novels. My favourite mediums
are mechanical pencils, biro
pens and when I’m working on
more serious pieces I move on
to fine liners and water-based
paintsWhen I first heard the idea
for this collaboration between
photography and illustration
I was reminded of the work of
Honoré Daumier, who was a 19th
Century
French
illustrator,
printmaker,
caricaturist,
painter and sculptor, whose work
offered commentary on social
and political life at the time.

WORDS BY MATTHEW PARKER

One of his most successful
pieces was a lithograph from
1856 titled “Photography: A
new procedure, used to ensure
graceful poses”, a satirical
illustration that features a
couple getting their portrait
taken by a photographer. Because
of the technical limitations,
the
subjects
must
remain
perfectly
still
to
insure
their photo doesn’t turn out
blurred. The couple are sitting
in specially made chairs with
vices on them that are attached
to the back of their heads to
stop them moving. It’s a very
funny piece and now it has
become very influential. It
questions whether the beauty
of fine art has influenced the
way photo are taken or whether
the realism of photography
has influenced art since its
invention and for me it was an
important starting point, when
considering how this project
would work.
feel that this
collaboration has truly shown
us how other artists work. As
an illustrator, I’ve always
wondered
how
photographers
produce such amazing works, it
has shown me their dedication
to getting the perfect image,
spending
hours
until
they
know what they produce in the
end is a carefully considered
piece of art.
If I adopted
these methods to my work I
know that it will make me a
better
visual
communicator.